Table mounting for calculating machines



June 16, 1936. A. BALsTER 2,044,.559

TABLE MOUNTING FOR CALCULATING MACHINES Filed Aug. lO, 1934 2 Shee'tS-Sheet 2 nnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Mu V Patented June 16, 1936 i' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TABLE MOUNTING FOR CALCULATING MACHINES Albert Balster, Chicago, Ill.

Application August 10, 1934, Serial No. 739,207

7 Claims. (Cl. 312-30) The present invention has reference to table position, that is with the bottom flush with the mountings for calculating machines. Opening in the table top and completing the top One object of the invention is to provide a surface of the table so that the latter is availmounting for this purpose which is designed for able for working purposes;

, use in connection with a table or like piece of Figure 2 is a similar perspective showing the office equipment having a rectangular Opening in container of the mounting in its normal posithe top thereof and comprises an open top, tion With the calculating machine exposed so machine-retaining container which is located that the keys are available for Inanipnlation; under the Opening in the table top and is piv- Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section of the 1:",- otally supported so that it may be swung from mounting illustrating in detail the construction a normal position wherein the keys of the maand arrangement of the container and the other chine are accessible from the top of the table Operating parts; into an inverted position wherein the machine is Figure 4 is a Vertical longitlldinal Section of disposed beneath the table top and the container the mounting Showing in detail the means for l.: bottom is fiush with the top of the table so that releasably securine or looking the machine in the entire table top is available for working pur- Place; poses. Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective of the Another object of the inventon is to provide container Of the mOllIltiI'lg and the machine locka mounting of the last mentioned character in ing means; and

which the open top container for the machine Figure 6 is a detail sectional view of part of 20 embodies novel means for releasably securing or the machine looking meanslocking the machine in place in the container. The mounting Which forInS the subject of the Another object of the invention is to provide invention is for a calclilating machine M and is a mounting of the type and character under conadapted for use in connection with a table 1. sideration in which the means for releasably se- The table which is shown in the drawings is curing or looking the machine in place in the one lof conventional design and consists of a container is eontroled from the front of the tabIe rectangular top 8, less 9, a pair of end walls IO, with which the mounting is associated. a front H, and a back (not shown)- The top A further object of the invention is to prois shown in the draWings as being formed of :m vde a, mounting for a eajeulatng machine or sheet metal and has a top facing Be of linoleum,

like device in which the container is provided or like Inaterial- This facing is fiat and is Suitwith novel means whereby it may be used in'conably secured at the margins thereof to the side nection with machines of different sizes. and bottom edges of the Sheet metal member A still further object of the invention is to Which forms the top 8 of the table- The legs provide a, mounting for a calculating machine 9 are fOllI' in number and are lOCated at the which is generany .of new and improved com corners of the table top and serve to support the struction; consists of a small number of parts, top So that it is properly spaced from the fioor and may be manufactured at a. low and reason- Hof the room in which the table is disposed. The able cost. end walls Ill are disposed at and depend from 40 Other objects of the invention and the various the end-s of the top 3 and cXtend between the 40 advantages and characteristics of the mounting legS 9 at the front corners and the legS at the will be apparent from a consideration of the folback col'ncrs- The front H is provided at one lowing detailed description. side thereof with a rectangular Opening I2 for The invention consists in the several nove] a drawer I 3 and extends lengthwise of the table 4-5 features which are hereinafter set forth and are and between the tWo front legs 9- The table more partioularly defined by elaims at the eontop 8 is adapted to be used as a work space and olusion thereof, has a rectangular Opening l4 in the end or cor- In the drawings which accompany and form ner which is opposite to that with the drawer I3. a part of this specification or disclosure and in This Opening |4 eXtends completely through the 00 which like numerals of reference denote corretable top 3 and eXtcndS angularly With respect spending parts throughout the several views: to the front margin of the table top 8, as shown Figure 1 is a perspectve of an office table havin Figures 1 and 2. o ing associated therewith a calculating machine The mounting eomprises a rectangular Conmounting embodying Ithe invention, the container tainer I5 which forms an open top compartment of the mounting being shown in its inverted for the calculating machineMand corresponds in shape to and fits in the rectangular opening 14 in the table top 8. This container l5 is preferably formed of sheet metal and consists of a bottom Hi, a pair of sides I and EB, a front I9, and a back 20, all of which are suitably secured together and form the open top compartment for the calculating machine M. The container is normally positioned so that the top margins of the sides, front, and back, are substantially flush with the top facing tia of the table l and is pivotally supported as hereinafter described so that it may be swung into an inverted position wherein the calculating machine M is disposed beneath the table top and the bottom EB is flush with the top of the table and completes the top facing thereof so that the entire top of the top 8 of the table is available for use. The top margins of the sides, front and back of the container are bent inwardly and downwa-rdly to form a continuous flange 21 around the top of the container. This flange servesto reinforce the sides, front and back of the container and to eliminate sharp edges at the top of the container.

The depth of the container is preferably equal to that of the machine so that when the body of the machine is in place in the container the keys thereof project above the top facing ta of the table top 8. The bottom IE of the container is provided on the underface thereof with a pad la of linoleum or like material. This pad is coextensive with the top and serves when the container is in its inverted position, that is, With the bottom Hi fiush with the top -of the table, to close the openingv lil and fill out the top facing 82%.V

The pivotal support whereby the container may be swung from a normal position to a closed position consists of a pair :of bolts 22. These bolts extend through holes'23 in the central portions of the sides of the container and are carried by a pair of sheet metal strips 24. The latter, as shown in Figure 4, are connected to and depend from the portions of the table top 8 which define the sides of the opening M. Washers are mounted on the shanks of the bolts and fit between the sides of the container and the side strips ii so as to space the container from the side strips and permit the container to swing-freely about the bolts. Metal plates Z-t are welded or otherwise -secured to the inner faces of the sides i l and l 8 of the container and have central holes 2'6 in registry with the holes 23. The bolts extend through the holes 21 in the plates 25 and the latter operate to increase the bearing surfaces for the bolts as far as the container is coneerned. Rotation of the container is limited by means of an -L-shaped plate 28. This plate is riveted or otherwise Secured to the outer face of the back 28 of the container and embodies an outwardly extending lleg 29 having resilient bumpers 36 on opposite faces thereof. When the container is in its normal or open position, that is When the calculating machine M is in an-upright position for use, the leg 29 of the plate 28 underlies the portion of the table top which defines the rear of the Opening M and the bumper on the-top face thereof engages the underside of the table top and prevents clockwise rotation of the container as viewed in Figure 3. When the container is rotated in the proper direction so as to bring it into its closed position, the bumper 30 on the other side face of the leg 29 engages a bracket 3l on the inner face of the front i i of the table and prevents further rotation ofthe container in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 3. The bracket 3l is riveted or welded to the inner face .ofthe table front II., and embodies a horizontally extending arm or leg 32 which coacts with the aforesaid bumper on the leg 29 of the plate 28 to restrict rotation of the container.

The container is adapted to be locked in either of its two positions by means of a plunger 33. This plunger extends horizontally and is slidably mounted in the central portion of a U-shaped bracket 34, on the inner face of the front l l of the table. The outer end of the plunger extends through a hole in the table front II and is provided with a finger piece 35, whereby the plunger may be manipulated from the front of the table. The other or inner end of the plunger is pointed as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings and is adapti ed to fit in a hole 35 in the front of the container' when the container is in its normal position and in a hole 31 in the back of the container when the container is swung into its inverted or inoperative position. A compression spring 38 surrounds the central portion of the plunger and extends between the front of the table and a pin 39 on the plunger. This Spring serves to hold the plunger so that it locks the container in place. When the container is in its normal or open position, as shown in Figure 3, the spring 38 holds the inner end of the plunger in the hole 36 and the plunger thus operates to lock the container against rotation. When it is desired to rotate or Swing the container into its -inoperative or closed position the plunger is withdrawn from the hole 35 by gripping and pulling on the finger piece 35. As soonas the inner end of the plunger is dislodged from the hole 36, the container is free so that it may be swung out of its normal position. When the container is in its inoperative or closed position the inner end of the plunger is adapted to fit within the hole 31 in the back of the container as hereinbefore pointed out so as to lock the container' in place. The plunger 33 together with the spring 38 and the holes 36 and 37 constitutes simple means for locking the container in place.

The calculating machine M fitsl in the container between the front 99 and the back 29 and abuts against a filler member lit which is located adjacent to the side il of the container. This filler strip is formed of sheet metal and consists of a horizontally extending top part l and a vertically extending side part 42. The top part 4! is flush with the top of the container and corresponds in length to the container. The side part 42 is spaced from the container side l' by means of the top part 4! and is removably Secured to the back Zil of the container through the medium of a bracket :513. The latter is secured in place by screws 44 which extend through suitable holes (not shown) in the container back Zil. The filler strip is provided at the juncture of the top and side parts 4! and 42 with an overhanging fiange 45 which is coplanar with the top part 41. The portion of the calculating machine M which abuts against the filler strip 45 und-erlies this flange so that an interlocking connection is formed or provided whereby the Calculating machine is held in connected relation with respect to the container. The machine is jammed or clamped against the filler strip li by means of 'a pair of clamping members i. These members are in the form of spring metal strips which extend substantially vertically with respect to 3 the .container and have the upper ends thereof attached to the side 58 of the container by means of rivets 41. The lower ends of the clamping members fit against the adjacent side of the calculating machine. The members are swung to- Wards the container side |1 to jam or clamp the machine against the fller strip 40 by means of a rod 48. This rod is located adjacent to the side l8 of the container and extends lengthwise of the container. The central portion of the rod extends through an elongated horizontally eX- tending slot 46 in a bracket 58 which is riveted or otherwise secured to the bottom 16 of the container. The rear end of the rod is operatively connected to the rearmost clamping member 46 by means of a link 5I which is pivotally connected at one end thereof to a screw 52 on the rod and has its other end pivotally connected to a screw 53 between an L-shaped clip 54 on the lower end of the rearmost clamping member. Arlink 55 extends between and is pivotally connected at its ends to the screw 53 and a screw 56 between an L-shaped clip 51 on the inner face of the container side I8. The links 51 and 55 are in the nature of toggle links and operate in response to longitudinal shift of the rod 48 to shift the lower end of the clamping member 46 either to or from the container side l1. A pair of links 58 and 59 serve as the shifting medium for the foremost clamping member 46. The link 58 extends between and is pivotally connected at its ends to a screw 66 on the front portion of the rod 48 and a screw 6I between an L-shaped clip 62 on the lower end of the foremost clamping member 46. The link 59 extends between and is pivotally connected to the screw and a screw 63 between an L-shaped clip 64 on the inner face of the container side I8. The links 58 and 59 operate similarly to the links 51 and 55 in that they swing the lower end of the foremost clamping member 46 to and from the container side |1 in response to axial or longitudinal shift of the rod 43. The front end of the rod 48 extends into a sleeve 65 and is connected to the latter by means of a screw thread connection 66. This 1 eeve is mounted in one leg of an angle bracket 61 so that it is free to rotate but is held against axial displacement. The bracket 61, as shown in Figure 5, is riveted to the bottom I6 of the container. When the sleeve is turned in one direction the rod 48 is shifted so that it operates through the toggle links to Shift the clamping members 46 into clamping relation with the calculating machine M. When the sleeve is rotated in the opposite direction the rod is reversely shifted so that it moves the clamping members away from the calculating member and frees the latter for removal from the container l5. The front end of the sleeve embodies a polygonal part 68 for a key 69. A hole 18 is formed in the front I9 of the container in alignment with the polygonal part 68 and this hole is adapted when the container is in its open position to register with the hole 1I in the table front II so that the key may be inserted into connected relation with the polygonal part 68 for sleeve turning purposes. When it is desired to release the machine so that it may be removed from the container the key is inserted through the holes 16 and 1I and slid into connected relation with the polygonal part 68 at the front end of the sleeve 65. The key is then rotated in the proper direction so as to shift the rod 48 to swing inwardly the clamping members 46. When it is desired to place in the container a wider machine than that shown in the drawings the clamping members 46 are shifted into their machine releasing position and the filler strip 48 is removed. Thereafter the larger machine is placed on the bottom I 6 of the container and slid sidewise against the sides I1 and the clamping members 46 are aotuated by shift of the rod 48 so asto exert sideways clamping pressure against the machine.

In order to assist the clamping members 46 in holding the larger machine in the container, an angle bar 45a is provided. This bar is riveted or otherwise secured to the inner face of the side l1 of the container and extends between the `front I9 and the back 20. This bar is so arranged that one leg thereof extends horizontally and is spaced from the container bottom to such an extent that it interlocks or interfits with one of the bottom side flanges of the large machine as shown in Figure 4 of the drawings.

In order to prevent damage to, and the collection of dust on, the keys of the calculating machine M When the machine is in its inverted position, that is, when the container I5 is in its inverted position and the bottom I6 is flush with the top 8 of the table, a pan 12 is provided. This pan is located beneath the container and is connected at one side thereof by a hinge 13 to one of the sheet metal strips 24 sothat it may be swung downwardly in order to permitv cleaning thereof and also to permit the container to be swung into and out of its normal position. The

other side of the pan 12 is provided with a latchV the container is locked in its inverted position the pan is swung upwardly into its normal position and the latch 14 is manipulated to secure the pan in place.

The Operation of the mounting is as follows: To install the calculating machine M in the pivotally supported container l5 the key 69 is inserted through the holes 1I and 10 into locked relation with the polygonal part 68 on the front end of the sleeve 65. The key is then turned so as to swing the clamping members 46 toward the side I8 of the container. The calculating machine M is then placed in the container and is moved sidewise against the vertical part 42 of the filler member 40. After so locating the machine, the key 69 is turned in the reverse direction so as to swing the clamping members 46 toward the side I 1 of the container and into clamped relation with the adjacent side ofthe calculating machine. When the container is in its normal position the keys of the calculating machine project above the top of the table and may be manipulated for calculating purposes. When it is desired to swing the machine into an inverted position so as to render the entire top of the table available for working purposes the plunger 33 is pulled out by manipulation of the finger piece 35 and the pan 12 is swung down- Wardly after release of the latch 14. The container is then swung downwardly and rearwardly as indicated by arrows in Figure 3 until the bottom |6 is flush with the table top and rotation of the container is stopped as the result of the action of bumper equipped, L-shaped plate 28. When the container reaches its inverted position the plunger is released so that the Spring 38 shifts it inwardly and the inner end lodges in the hole 31. This eifects a locking of the container. Thereafterthe pan 12 is swung upwardly and latched in place.

The herein described mounting may be manlio ufactured at a low and reasonable cost in`that it consists of but a comparativelyv small number of parts. It is extremely efficient in operation and makes it possible for the user of the table with which the mounting is associated to utilize the entire top of the table for working purposes when the calculating machine M is not In uSe. o

The Opening l4 in the top of the table is preferably spaced from the adjacent end and front edges of the table top so as to provide a working space on the table top to the right of the calculating machine when the machine is in its operative position. By having such space the arm of the operator of the machine is properly supported and efficiency of Operation results.

The Opening I4 is preferably angled or disposed at approximately an angle of 12 with respect to the front edge of the table so as to facilitate Operation of the machine by an operator standing or sitting in front of the table.

Whereas the mounting has been described as designed for use with a calculating machine it is to be understood that it may be used equally as well With any other type of ofiice machine or device.

It is also to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modified Within the scope of the appended claims, Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination with a table having a rectangular Opening extending through and spaced inwardly from the front edge of the top thereof, a calculating machine mounting comprising a rectangular, open top container for the machine disposed under the top of the table and in registry With the Opening and consisting of a rectangular machine supporting bottom of the same size as the Opening and a pair of sides and a front and back connected together and extending upwardly from the margins of the bottom and of substantially the same height as the body of the machine, means associated With the sides of the container forming a pivotal support Where-l by the container may be swung from a normal position, Wherein the top margins of the sides, front and back thereof are substantially flush With the Vtable top and the keys of the machine project above the table top and are manipulable from above said table, into an inoperative position Wherein the machine is inverted and the container bottom is flush With and completes the top of the table, and means for securing the machine in place in the container.

2. In combination With a table having in the front right hand corner of the top thereof a rectangular Opening With the front spaced inwardly from, anddisposed at an acute angle with rethe same height as the body of the machine, pivot elements between said side members and the sides of the container for supporting said container so it may be swung from a normal position, wherein the top margins of the sides, front and back thereof are substantially flush with the table top and the keys of the machine project above the table top and are manipulable from above said table, into an inoperative position wherein the machine is inverted and the container bottom is fiush with and completes the top of the table, and means for securing the machine in place in the container.

3. In combination With a table having a rectangular Opening extending through and spaced inwardly from the front edge of the top thereof, a pair of laterally spaced side members depending from, and coextensive with, the portions of the top which define the sides of the Opening, a

calculating machine mounting comprising a rectangular, open top container for the machine disposed under the top of the table and in registry with the Opening and consisting of a machine supporting bottom of the same size as the opening and a pair of sides and a front and back con- O nected together and extending upWardly from the margins of the bottom and of substantially the same height as the body of the machine, pivot elements between said side members and the sides of the container for supporting said container so it may be swung from a normal position Wherein the top margins of the sides, front and back thereof are substantially ush With lthe table top and the keys of the machine project above the table top and are manipulable from above said table into an inoperative position wherein the machine is inverted and the container bottom is flush With and completes the top of the table, means for securing the machine in place in the container, and a rectangular, downwardly dished, metallic pan of the same size as the container bottom positioned beneath the container in such manner that it serves toprotect the keys of the machine When the container is in its inoperative position and having one of the side portions thereof connected by a hinge to one of the side members and its other side portion connected by a hinge to the other side member so that it is adapted upon release of the latch to be swung downwardly in a sideward direction for Cleaning purposes.

4. In combination With a table having a rectangular Opening extending through the top thereof, a calculating machine mounting comprising an open top container for the machine disposed under the top of the table and in registry with the Opening and consisting of a bottom for supporting the machine and a pair of sides and a front and back connected together and extending upwardly from the margins of the bottom, means associated With the container side-s forming a pivotal support Whereby the container may be swung from a normal position Wherein the keys of the machine are manipulable from above the top of the table into an inoperative position Wherein the machine is inverted and the container bottom is fiush With and completes the top of the table, means for securing the machine in place in the container, and an L-shaped plate having one leg thereof connected to the outer 7 the Opening and limits additional swinging movement of the container in one direction.

5. In combination with a table having a fiat top with a rectangular Opening in the front portion thereof and also having a front depending from the front portion of the top and embodying on the inner face thereof an L-shaped bracket With one leg thereof projecting inwardly, a calculating machine mounting comprising a rectangular open top container for the machine disposed beneath the top of the table and in registry With the Opening and consisting of a bottom for supporting the machine and a pair of sides and a front and back connected together and extending upwardly from the margins of the bottom and of substantially the same height as the body of the machine, means associated with the container sides forming a pivotal support Whereby the container may be swung from a normal position, wherein the top margins of the sides, front and back thereof are substantially flush with the table top and the keys of the machine project above the table top and are manipulable from above said table, into an inoperative position, wherein the machine is inverted and the container bottom is flush with and completes the top of the table, means for securing the machine in place in the container and an L-shaped plate having one leg thereof connected to the outer face of the container back and its other leg projecting at right angles and rearwardly with respect to said last mentioned leg and arranged so that when the container is swung into its normal position it engages a portion of the table top in back of the Opening and limits additional swinging movement in one direction and when the container is swung into its inoperative position it engages said one leg of the L-shaped plate or bracket on the table front and forms a stop therewith whereby additional swinging movement is precluded.

6. In combination With a table having an opening extending through the top thereof, a calculating machine mounting comprising an open top container for the machine disposed under the top of the table and in registry With the Opening and consisting of a bottom for supporting the machine and a pair of sides and a front and back connected together and extending upwardly from the margins of the bottom, means forming a pivotal support whereby the container can be swung from a normal position wherein the keys of the machine are manipulable from above the top of the table into an inoperative position Wherein the machine is inverted and the container bottom is fiush With and completes the top of the table, and means for releasably securing the machine in place in the container comprising a member extending along one side of the container and adapted to interlock with one side of the machine When the latter is shifted laterally thereagainst and also comprising a clamping member positioned adjacent to the other side of the container and movable laterally into engagement With the other side of the machine, and an axially movable rod and toggle links between the rod and the clamping member and said other side of the container for moving the clamping member laterally in response to axial movement of the rod.

7. In combination with a table provided with a front and having a rectangular Opening extending through the top thereof, a calculating machine mounting comprising an open top container for the machine disposed under the top of the table and in registry With the Opening and consisting of a bottom for supporting the machine and a pair of sides and a front and back connected together and extending upwardly from the margins of the bottom, means forming a pivotal support Whereby the container can be swung from a normal position Wherein the keys of the machine are manipulable from above the top of the table into an inoperative position wherein the machine is inverted and the container bottom is flush with and completes the top of the table and means for releasably securing the machine in place in the container comprising a member disposed in the container along one of the sides thereof and movable laterally into a position Wherein it engages the body of the machine and clamps the same in the direction of the other side of the container, and a rod element with a polygonal front end, disposed in and extending longitudinally of the container and adapted when turned to contro' movement of the member, the front of the con tainer and the front of the table having holes therein adapted when the container is in its normal position to register with one another and permit a key to be inserted from the front of the table into engagement with the polygonal pari on the front end of the rod element for turning purposes.

ALBERT BALSTER. 

